If you’ve ever rushed through the warehouse aisles only to wonder “when does Costco food court close?” — you’re not alone. Millions of shoppers across the U.S. plan their Costco trips around that iconic $1.50 hot dog, a slice of pizza, or a cold berry smoothie. Knowing the food court hours can mean the difference between a satisfying end to your shopping run and arriving at a closed counter.
Save yourself the frustration — bookmark this page before your next Costco run so you never miss out on the food court again.
Standard Costco Food Court Hours
For most Costco warehouse locations across the United States, the food court follows the same operating schedule as the main store. Here’s what the standard weekly schedule looks like:
Monday through Friday, the food court opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 8:30 PM. On Saturdays, doors open a little earlier at 9:30 AM, but the food court closes earlier too — at 6:00 PM. Sundays follow a similar pattern, with hours running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The key takeaway is simple: if the main warehouse is open, the food court is almost certainly open too. And when the warehouse shuts its doors, the food court closes right along with it.
Why Hours Can Vary by Location
While those standard hours apply to the majority of U.S. Costco locations, your local warehouse may operate on a slightly different schedule. Costco currently operates hundreds of warehouses across the country, and regional differences, local ordinances, and store-specific decisions can all affect when the food court closes.
For example, some California locations have been known to keep Saturday hours until 7:00 PM rather than the typical 6:00 PM. Certain Arizona locations close weekday operations at 8:00 PM instead of 8:30 PM. Texas locations, particularly in major metro areas, may also differ from the national standard.
The safest move is always to check your specific warehouse’s hours directly on the Costco website or by calling the store before making a trip just for the food court.
Holiday Hours: When the Food Court Closes Early or Doesn’t Open at All
Costco is known for closing its doors — and its food court — on major U.S. holidays. These include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
On holidays where Costco does operate, such as the day after Thanksgiving or the day before Christmas, hours are typically reduced. That means the food court may close earlier than usual, so planning ahead is especially important during the holiday shopping season.
If you’re making a special trip during a long weekend or a federal holiday, always verify the hours online first. Costco’s warehouse locator tool on its official website shows updated holiday hours for each location.
Does the Food Court Close Before the Warehouse?
This is one of the most common questions shoppers ask, and the answer is generally no — the food court does not close before the rest of the store. The two operate on the same schedule in the vast majority of locations.
However, there are practical considerations worth keeping in mind. If you arrive at the food court just a few minutes before closing, staff may have already begun shutting down certain stations or may have run out of specific items. Whole pizzas, in particular, take time to prepare, and employees are unlikely to start a fresh pizza order five minutes before the counter closes.
If you’re planning to order something that takes extra prep time — like a full 18-inch pizza — it’s smart to place that order at least 20 to 30 minutes before the food court is scheduled to close. This not only ensures your food is ready but also keeps things smooth for the staff working that final stretch of the day.
Costco Executive Members: Are There Earlier Access Hours?
As of mid-2025, Costco introduced exclusive earlier shopping hours for Executive members at select warehouse locations. This perk allows Executive cardholders to enter the warehouse before the standard 10:00 AM opening time on weekdays.
However, it’s worth noting that earlier warehouse access does not automatically mean the food court is open during those early hours. In most cases, the food court still begins service at the standard opening time, even if Executive members are already inside shopping. Always check with your local warehouse to see what’s available during those extended hours.
Membership Required to Use the Food Court
One change that still catches some shoppers off guard: as of 2024, Costco requires a valid membership card to order anything at its food court. This policy applies across all U.S. warehouse locations. Whether you’re ordering a hot dog combo or a scoop of ice cream, you’ll need to show your membership card or scan it at the kiosk.
This means non-members can no longer walk in off the street and grab a slice of pizza at the outdoor food court stations. If you’ve been considering a Costco membership, this is one more reason to weigh the value — the food court alone can offer significant savings for frequent visitors.
What’s on the Costco Food Court Menu Right Now
The food court menu has evolved quite a bit over the years, though it still keeps the signature simplicity that makes it so popular. As of early 2026, you can expect to find the following at most U.S. locations:
The legendary hot dog and soda combo remains on the menu at $1.50 — a price that has not changed since 1985. Pizza is available by the slice at $1.99 for cheese or pepperoni, or as a whole 18-inch pie for $9.95. The chicken bake, a fan-favorite stuffed pastry, is still going strong. Berry and mango smoothies are available at most locations, and the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze has become a newer staple for coffee lovers. A rotisserie chicken Caesar salad and turkey provolone sandwich round out the heartier options for those wanting a more filling meal. Double chocolate chunk cookies and soft-serve ice cream are popular dessert choices.
Prices and menu items can vary slightly by location, so don’t be surprised if your local warehouse carries a unique regional item or has discontinued something found elsewhere.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Food Court Visit
Timing your food court visit strategically can make a big difference in your experience. Weekday mornings, shortly after opening, tend to be the least crowded times. Lunchtime on weekends, particularly Saturdays between noon and 2:00 PM, can see long lines and limited seating.
If you’re visiting as a large group and want to eat together, consider having one person grab a table while others wait in line. Most food court regulars on community forums agree this is acceptable practice and actually helps keep the seating area organized.
Always clean up after yourself. The food court operates on a self-bussing model, meaning you’re expected to dispose of your own trash when you’re done. This keeps the area clean and speeds up table availability for other shoppers.
How to Check Your Local Costco Food Court Hours
The easiest way to find out exactly when does Costco food court close at your specific location is to visit the Costco website and use the warehouse locator. Enter your zip code, pull up your local store, and the current operating hours will be listed there. For the most time-sensitive situations, calling the warehouse directly is the most reliable method.
You can also check third-party review platforms where other shoppers in your area frequently post up-to-date hours, especially around holiday periods or if a specific location has made recent changes to its schedule.
Drop a comment below if your local Costco food court has different hours than what’s listed here — your experience could help a fellow shopper plan their visit!
